Fitness Friday

It's the last Friday of 2011 and likely you've been thinking about 2012 resolutions.  You might be telling yourself you want to "tone up", "get fit", or "be healthy". While these are all great general goals, I suggest being a bit more specific about your goals- making them specific and measurable.

For instance, maybe you want to "tone up"- commit to doing weight training 1-2 times each week.  You may want to enlist some accountability with a friend or work with a personal trainer.  If you cannot afford a personal trainer, joining a group exercise body pump class is a great option. 

Want to "be healthy"?  Well, what does that mean to you? Maybe it means getting into a good workout routine.  Maybe it means cutting down on the amount of processed food you eat. Or maybe it means finding a better work and personal life balance.  Remember, being healthy isn't just about the number on the scale. 

Here are a few tips to help you define and achieve your 2012 resolutions:

• Give yourself a timeline.  Maybe you want to lose weight for a wedding or a high school reunion. Figure out a reasonable amount of time to lose the weight- you should aim to lose 1-2 lbs. per week, nothing more.  Or maybe you would like to run a 5K. Pick a race that works with your schedule & sign up! With a date in sight, you will be more likely to stick to your goal.
• Get a plan in place. If you're unsure of what to do when you workout, visit with a personal trainer.  Many gyms offer complimentary sessions for new members. If you're trying to eat better, visit with a Resisted Dietitian who can help you create a meal plan tailored to your food preferences and meal schedule.
• Weigh your Pros and Cons. If your goal is to eat more fruits and vegetables, the pros would be boosting your antioxidant intake, adding variety to your diet, and increasing the nutrient density of the foods your consume. Identifying the cons will help you to identify things that stand in the way of your success.  Thing such as preparing meals and snack ahead of time or the cost of joining a gym might be obstacles that need to be identified before committing to your goal. 
• Find some accountability.  A spouse, a friend, or even a pet can be your go-to buddy to help you achieve your goal.  Sometimes just knowing you'll have to answer to someone is all the motivation you need to get out of bed for your morning workout, rather than pushing the snooze button.
• Don't give up.  It isn't about perfection, but rather, making more good healthy choices and less unhealthy choices.  So you miss a workout or two, it doesn't mean you should throw in the towel.  Remember, the difference between people who reach their goals and those who don't is that those who succeed never gave up. 

Have a safe & happy New Year! See you in 2012!